View source for 1990 Zambia food riots

During the One party rule of [[Kenneth Kaunda]], [[Zambia]] saw a decline in the economy creating disappointment among the people. Several strikes hit the country in 1981. The government responded by arresting several trade union leaders, among them [[Frederick Chiluba]]. In 1986 and 1987 protests arose again in [[Lusaka]] and the [[Copperbelt]]. 

==1990 food riots==
In June 1990, a three-day unrest began after the government more than doubled the price of mealie meal, Zambia's staple food, as part of an economic reform program.<ref>[http://articles.latimes.com/1990-06-28/news/mn-1033_1_food-rioting WORLD IN BRIEF : ZAMBIA : 23 Dead in 3 Days of Food Rioting], LA Times, 28 June 1990</ref> About 27 people were killed and more than 100 wounded. Few days later,  [[Mwamba Luchembe|Lieutenant Christopher Mwamba Luchembe]] of the [[Zambia Army]] attempted a [[Mwamba Luchembe|coup d'état]] to rid the Kaunda government. In the early hours of 1 July 1990, Luchembe announced a hostile takeover on state owned radio at the [[Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation]] (ZNBC). The attempt failed and the situation was curbed within three hours by government forces, leading to the arrest and prosecution of Luchembe.

==Birth of a multi-party democracy==
These extensive protests made Kaunda realise the need for reform. He promised a referendum on multiparty democracy, and lifted the ban on political parties. This resulted in the quick formation of eleven new parties. Among these [[Movement for Multi-party Democracy]] (MMD), led by former union leader [[Frederick Chiluba]], was the most important. After pressure for the new parties the referendum was canceled in favour of direct multiparty election.

==See also==
*[[History of Zambia]]
*[[Kenneth Kaunda]]
*[[Frederick Chiluba]]
*[[Mwamba Luchembe]]

==References==
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[[Category:1990 in Zambia]]
[[Category:Riots in Zambia]]
[[Category:National crises]]
[[Category:History of Zambia]]